Congratulations to the Staples High School boys and girls basketball teams!<\/p>\n
Both pulled away in the second half from solid opponents in last night\u2019s state tournament quarterfinals, before raucous crowds in a home doubleheader.<\/p>\n
Both now move on to the state semis \u2014 a first in school history.<\/p>\n
Staples\u2019 boys\u00a0 \u2014 ranked #1 in Division I \u2014 downed #8 New London 56-35. That vaults coach Dave Goldshore\u2019s squad into a matchup against #5 Notre Dame Prep-Fairfield.<\/p>\n
The girls of coach Tommy Sparks \u2014 seeded 3rd in Division II \u2014 topped South Windsor 42-35.<\/p>\n
The neutral sites and times of the semifinals will be announced soon. Up next: #10 Bristol Central.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
==================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to learn more about overdoses \u2014 and who doesn\u2019t? \u2014 check out \u201cCT Save a Life Day.\u201d<\/p>\n The April 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) is organized through the Westport Prevention Coalition.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll get liquor stickers and lock bags to prevent access to abusable substances, parent handbooks, and brief training to recognize and respond to an overdose (with a free Narcan kit). Click here to RSVP.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Narcan nasal spray.<\/strong><\/p>\n =================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking of Positive Directions: They\u2019ve partnered with Westport Together, to sponsor a \u201cNight Out\u201d for high school students who live in Westport, or attend school here.<\/p>\n The March 27 event (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA) includes an open gym, games, music and food.<\/p>\n The cost is just $5. Click here to register.<\/a><\/p>\n ==================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking of the YMCA: Professional ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff (\u201cDancing With the Stars\u201d) offers a special ballroom master class on Tuesday (March 17, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.).<\/p>\n Open to all ages and experience levels, it includes a performance, Q-and-A and photo opportunity. The cost is $40 for Y members, $50 for non-members.<\/p>\n Click here for more information, and to register.<\/a> To learn more about the Y\u2019s ballroom program, click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n =================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n New restaurants are opening at a fast clip downtown.<\/p>\n But one just left: Gogi.<\/p>\n The Korean barbecue spot \u2014 located in an out-of-the-way spot, inside Bedford Square behind Emmy Squared \u2014 is not completely closed.<\/p>\n They\u2019ve relocated to Shelton.<\/p>\n (Hat tip and photo\/Sal Liccione)<\/strong><\/p>\n =================================================<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The United Methodist Church is located on Rabbit Hill. The previous owner was Robert Lawson \u2014 author\/illustrator of the beloved children\u2019s series.<\/p>\n So it\u2019s the perfect site for an Easter egg hunt on March 28 (2 p.m.). All kids are welcome. Click here to register.<\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s a suggested donation of non-perishable food, for local pantries.<\/p>\n Easter egg hunt, at the United Methodist Church.<\/strong><\/p>\n =================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking of kids: 2 new family-friendly shows come this spring to the Westport Country Playhouse.<\/p>\n \u201cClick Clack Moo\u201d \u2014 based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, aimed at pre-K through 4th graders \u2014 is set for 2 shows May 16 (1 and 4 p.m.).<\/p>\n \u201cPete the Cat\u201d follows on June 7. It\u2019s recommended for pre-K through grade 3.<\/p>\n Click here for tickets, and more information.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n ==================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking of entertainment: Westport and Weston will have a strong presence at next weekend\u2019s 6th annual Norwalk Film Festival.<\/p>\n Board member (and Staples High graduate) Jennifer Bangser notes some of the connections:<\/p>\n Friday, March 20: <\/strong>The opening night Sundance-premiered film \u201cLittle Richard: I Am Everything\u201d takes a deep dive into the life and career of the charismatic, complicated musician. Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker\/novelist\/playwright\/essayist\/producer\/professor Trey Ellis will be in conversation after the film with director\/producer Lisa Cortes. Email info@norwalkfilmfestival.org<\/a> for ticket information.<\/p>\n Saturday, March 21: <\/strong>Staples graduate Cynthia Gibb\u2019s short film \u201cStraight Laced\u201d will be shown during the Connecticut Shorts Block (12 to 2 p.m.). It\u2019s the story of a conscientious honors student who buckles under academic pressure in her town of overachievers and overearnest parents.<\/p>\n In the 2 to 4 p.m. Narrative Shorts Block, \u201cSit with Me While I Die\u201d stars award-winning actor James Naughton of Weston. He plays a priest who must reconcile his lifelong dogmatic views on suffering with real-life pain.<\/p>\n The Norwalk Film Festival includes many more films, plus workshops and an audience-voted awards ceremony.<\/p>\n More information plus individual tickets, day passes, weekend passes and student discounts are available at www.norwalkfilmfestival.org<\/a>. Questions? Email Jennifer.Bangser@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n James Naughton in \u201cSit With Me While I Die.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n =================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Chris Delorier writes: \u201cHelp, before someone gets seriously hurt!<\/p>\n \u201cI live on High Point Road. At least once a week a near accident occurs from people blowing through the stop sign down the hill on Long Lots Road.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are many new drivers every year, many kids walking to school or on bikes. My fear is nothing will be done until it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n \u201cHalf, I bet, are innocent mistakes. It\u2019s a tough sign to see. On Cross Highway at Bayberry Lane they put in flashing solar stop signs. At a minimum that should be done at Long Lots and High Point.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s not wait for a life to be taken. This seems like a no-brainer.\u201d<\/p>\n Drivers coming down the Long Lots Road hill often ignore the stop sign (right) at High Point Road.<\/strong><\/p>\n ==================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Congratulations to Staples\u2019 8 Students of the Month: seniors Isabel Jo and Henry Wood, juniors Samantha Armentano and Catalina Zapata, juniors Olivia Flinn and Nickolas Glekas, and freshmen Maya Luo and Sophia Muriel.<\/p>\n The honor recognizes \u201cstudents who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the \u2018glue\u2019 of the community: the type of creative, thoughtful, conscientious students that keep the high school together, enabling it to grow and thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n Recipients are nominated by teachers, in recognition of hard work, friendliness to staff and students, and positive contributions inside and outside the classroom.<\/p>\n Students of the Month (from left): <\/strong>Catalina Zapata, Samantha Armentano, Olivia Flinn, Isabel Jo, Maya Luo, Sophia Muriel, Henry Wood.<\/strong><\/p>\n ==================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Journalist\/author\/former \u201cGood Morning America\u201d host Joan Lunden spoke about her new memoir \u2014 \u201cJoan: Life Beyond the Script\u201d<\/a> \u2014 on Thursday, at the Westport Library.<\/p>\n With sports reporter and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak, Lunden talked about life transitions, and the importance of embracing change.<\/p>\n Joan Lunden and Lindsay Czarniak on the Westport Library stage; \u201cGood Morning America\u201d stage is behind. (Photo\/Susan Garment)<\/strong><\/p>\n ==================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The Sally was a Fairfield County merchant sloop that was converted into a Revolutionary War vessel.<\/p>\n It played an important role in espionage, raids against the British, and privateering in Long Island Sound during the The Sally \u2013 and was involved in Nathan Hale\u2019s ill-fated spy mission.<\/p>\n On April 11 (2 p.m., Weston History & Culture Center), historian Edward Eckert discusses The Sally. The event is free, but registration is required. Click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n At 3:15 p.m the same day, Laura Clark Murray speaks on for \u201cGenetic Genealogy in Action: From Researching Patriots to Solving Cold Cases.\u201d<\/p>\n It too is free, but registration is required. Click here.<\/a><\/p>\n Merchant ship, back in the day.<\/strong><\/p>\n =================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan hopes to add Westport to her list of constituents.<\/p>\n She has joined the race to succeed Ceci Maher, for the 26th State Senate seat.<\/p>\n Dathan now chairs the Government Oversight Committee, and sits on both the Appropriations and Human Services Committees. Beyond her legislative work, she has been a CPA and CFO for start-ups.<\/p>\n The 26th district includes Westport, Weston, and all or part of 6 other towns. Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor is also running for the seat.<\/p>\n State Representative Lucy Dathan<\/strong><\/p>\n =================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Today\u2019s \u201cWestport \u2026 Naturally\u201d featured photo is a reflective shot of Sherwood Mill Pond.<\/p>\n Much more wildlife will return soon, to the tranquil 84-acre tidal pond and estuary.<\/p>\n (Photo\/Nikki Gorman)<\/strong><\/p>\n =================================================<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n And finally \u2026 Happy Pi Day<\/a>!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/06880danwoog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Narcan.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1\")
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